Tibetan Spaniel walks to and from a vase of flowers, greets guests, then asks for pets.

Now that he is full grown, this Tibetan Spaniel is about 13 pounds.

Tibetan Spaniel is a rare breed that was bred as companion and sentinel for Tibetan monks.

The American Kennel Club ("AKC") site on the Tibetan Spaniel's history describes dog breeds from Tibet, including the Tibetan Spaniel: "Despite its inhospitable climate – or perhaps because of it – Tibet is home to a halfdozen dog breeds, to say nothing of the mixed feral dogs that hung around the monasteries, where they were fed and looked after by the karmaconscious monks within. The largest of these native breeds was the Tibetan Mastiff, which would guard the monastery entrance and ferociously deter intruders as it strained against the chains that contained it.

But the dog that had the most intimate access to the monasteries – and the learned monks and lamas who lived within them – was the Tibetan Spaniel."

It adds, “'''Tibbies,' as they are affectionately nicknamed, are in fact not spaniels at all . . . " and that the "Tibetan Spaniel was bred for centuries by the monks to resemble a little lion . . . . "

https://www.akc.org/expertadvice/dog...

This is from the American Kennel Club (ÄKC") Tibetan Spaniel site: "The frisky and curious Tibetan Spaniel was bred ages ago for sentinel work on the walls of Tibetan monasteries. Known for a flat, silky coat and 'lion's mane' around the neck, the Tibbie forms a tight, worshipful bond with their humans. With a blunt muzzle and big expressive eyes, a 'lion's mane' around the neck, and a plumed tail elegantly curving over the back, they're distinctly Tibetan. But are they spaniels? No, not in the Western sense, like Cockers or Cavaliers. Instead, Tibbies recall the ancient traditions that produced Pekes, Pugs, Lhasas, and other unmistakably Asian breeds. Tibbies stand about 10 inches at the shoulder; they move quickly and with purpose. They're seen in coats of many colors and combinations."

https://www.akc.org/dogbreeds/tibeta...

This is from the AKC Tibetan Spaniel Facts: 7 Things You Didn't Know About the Tibetan Spaniel site: "Though they are not actually spaniels, Tibetan Spaniels are indeed from Tibet. They continue to live in Tibetan monasteries with monks and lamas (priests). They were referred to as “little lions,” a title of great honor, since lions are considered sacred in Buddhism."

https://www.akc.org/expertadvice/lif...